Charlene Ross’ Blog on skirt! asks the question, should we pay our children for good grades? I believe in praising not only children but anyone who does a good job. Positive reinforcement; reinforcing positive behavior, by definition can’t be negative. A few weeks ago when Matthew brought home an excellent report card, I told him I’d take him to the store to get a treat. I knew his father was already thinking about putting some money in his Easter card for the holiday and for the good grades but I still wanted to give him a prize. I instructed my son to start thinking about what he wanted so that we didn’t have to wander the isles aimlessly once we got to the store. Continue Reading »
I wasn’t surprised to find a call tag on my doorknob that read, “Sorry, you were out when truck called.” I wasn’t supposed to be home but I agreed to have a pile of goods at the end of my driveway for the charity truck. A pile of too small, too big and too boring clothes and shoes had been growing in my garage over the last several months. At work, several co-workers read the horoscope in the L.A. Times. The majority are Capricorns, so they read that one and pass it on. I’d stopped consulting horoscopes but will still listen in when a fellow Tauraen shares what’s up with the “Bull.” One day, our horoscope talked about removing clutter, getting rid of old things and making room for new. In this season of renewal, I heard a voice telling me it’s time to clear out. So I called the charity I normally donate to to tell them that I had a pick up. Continue Reading »
A very interesting thing happened this week on the “Biggest Loser.” An eliminated contestant had the opportunity to return to the ranch. There was a weigh-in and the person who lost the most weight at home was able to come back into the competition. Nicole, who was eliminated early in the game, was the one who lost the most weight. She lost a whopping 87 pounds, on her OWN! She was so successful that her weight loss percentage was second to Tara, one of the strongest athletes in the house. At the weigh-in, the remaining contestants were shaking in their tennis shoes. As soon as they had the chance to get Nicole’s ear, they all dumped on her. People frantically filled her in on the drama and tension of the house. They talked to her about strategies, alliances and broken alliances. In addition to winning the opportunity to enter the game again, Nicole had immunity for the week unless of course she gained weight. Everyone vowed to step up their game to compete with someone who didn’t have the luxury of nutritionists, doctors and trainers and was still able to lose almost 90 pounds. Continue Reading »
My son, Matthew loves to work out while watching the “Biggest Loser.” He does jumping jacks, weight lifting, sit-ups and push-ups in front of the tv. It’s really inspiring. One week, he even asked me to run around the house with him for 5 minutes. He set the kitchen timer on the microwave and didn’t let me stop until it beeped. He’s asked me to work out with him other times but I usually can find something else to do instead like doing dishes, laundry or looking busy. I think he’s concerned about the “Thanksgiving to Valentine’s Day” weight I’ve been carrying around. I noticed once, he took his half eaten cheeseburger, out to the big trash can because he didn’t want me to eat it. I’m not sure how many mothers out there do the dreaded, “Oh if you’re not going to finish that…” He obviously didn’t want me adding his leftovers to my meal, but didn’t want to come right out and say it. Continue Reading »
Valentine’s Day at the top of the Empire State Building, how romantic! “Sleepless in Seattle” and a pound of See’s milk chocolate, how girlie! No, I didn’t polish off a pound of chocolate. If I did, I think most of you would be saying, “How pathetic?!” I did have a couple of yummy pieces out of the box I bought my sister-in-law. We spent the evening together. First we attended her church. Even though it wasn’t my church, I heard the message of the sermon, which was all about how God speaks to us, if we’re ready to listen. We can hear Him through the Word, through lyrics, through a friend, through a different church, whatever, as long as we are ready to obey and listen. Continue Reading »
My favorite tea, Yogi Green Tea, comes with a message on each tea bag. I’ve collected lots of little white tags and have even written about some. (see new category) Today’s message, like most of them, was profound and thought provoking. It read, “Recognize that the other person is you.” This isn’t the first time I’ve seen this tag. The first time I came across this quote was when I was having a disagreement with someone at work. I opened the green little packet, read the tag and wondered if I was really the defensive one. I felt my co-worker was defensive and dramatic, yet it was my defensiveness and drama that needed to be addressed. I called her immediately, apologized for getting into an argument and realized I just needed to look in the mirror.
Today as I read the message again, I knew it was being repeated for a reason. I was reminded if I place expectations on others; I will most likely be disappointed. The only one I can expect anything from is me. Mahatma Gandhi said, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” I think if I continue to learn, grow and am accountable to myself, I will see others and the world in a less disappointing way. As a matter of fact, I may even see us all in the way we’re meant to be seen, as perfect, spiritual ideas.
You know those emails we all get, “Send this to 10 people and you will see something amazing or you may become rich or DIE!” Sometimes these annoying chain emails contain some insightful messages, that you’d really like to pass along, not just to 5 or 10 people but to everyone you know. Today, I received an inspirational email from a good friend. The first sentence read:
“God doesn’t give you the people you want, He gives you the people you NEED - To help you, to hurt you, to leave you, to love you and to make you into the person you were meant to be.”
I thought it was a great message because for me it’s the Truth. It reminded me of the Garth Brooks song, “Unanswered Prayers,” where he sings “Some of God’s greatest gifts are unanswered prayers.” In the song, he was able to look back at how God’s plan had unfolded in his life. The challenge for most of us is waiting for time to pass to see how an experience shapes us into what we’re meant to be. As I pass along this message, without threat or empty promises of wealth, remember to be patient and trust God’s plans for you.
”Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done.” (Luke 22:42)
